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Facebook ‘Friend’ Requests Small Businesses

I know with every social media platform going mobile it makes it really easy to feel like your treading water to keep your head above all the networking madness. There are some really easy ways to get involved with some social media powerhouses with out drowning in it.

Check out Facebooks newest ways they are reaching out to “friend” small businesses:

Sheryl Sandberg, the social media company’s operating chief and “Lean In” author, says the key is showing business owners how to find new customers by creating Facebook pages and by buying ads that appear on individual Facebook users’ pages. The company plans a campaign called Facebook Fit with workshops in five cities to show small business owners the nuts and bolts of using Facebook as a marketing tool.

Facebook has updated its technology to make it easier for business owners to use, Sandberg said. The company is targeting those who don’t have the time to sit down at a desktop PC and update pages or ads.

“Now they’re able to manage their pages from a mobile phone. Two years ago, they couldn’t,” Sandberg said.

Facebook says it is used by 25 million small business users worldwide. The company does not report the number of businesses in the U.S. or any other country.

Many very small companies that don’t have websites use social media services like Facebook to reach customers. When a Facebook user “likes” a company’s page, that customer’s Facebook friends see posts on their own pages about the company. Businesses can also buy ads that appear on individual Facebook pages.

Facebook is also creating small business advertising products Sandberg said will be affordable. For example, companies will be able to spend $10 to promote a post on other Facebook pages, something they were unable to do in the past. Facebook pages will remain free.

How do you use Facebook to advertise your business or services? Do you have a fan page? Has it paid off? Our readers would love to know your story and how it has worked out for you.